Dillon Anderson. Photo courtesy of the Dillon Anderson campaign
The following are 5 questions that we sent out to every Ottawa City Council candidate in hopes of getting to know them better. We publish the responses exactly as we receive them, in the order that they were sent to us. Here are the responses from Somerset (Ward 14) Council candidate Dillon Anderson.
1. Who are you? Where are you from? What relevant experience do you have for the job?
My name is Dillon Anderson, and I am running to be your voice on Ottawa City Council representing Somerset Ward. I am a graduate of Nipissing University’s Bachelor of Business Administration program and am currently pursuing my Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation. Professionally and academically, my background has given me a strong foundation in financial accountability, responsible budgeting, and making sure every dollar is spent effectively. Furthermore, I live with cerebral palsy and rely on a wheelchair to navigate Ottawa every day. That lived experience gives me a direct, daily understanding of accessibility challenges in our built environment, transit, and public spaces.
2. The city spends nearly $1B/y on OC Transpo, though many constituents remain dissatisfied with the state of Ottawa’s public transportation. What would you do as a councillor to improve the city’s transportation system?
Restoring public trust in OC Transpo is essential. We need continued efforts to improve transit reliability, accountability, and clear communication with riders when disruptions happen. I support expanding our LRT network so more communities can benefit from sustainable, efficient options. From an accessibility standpoint, fixing Para Transpo is a major priority for me—we must improve scheduling reliability, customer experience, and service standards so all residents can travel with confidence and dignity.
3. In a December 2025 poll from Abacus Data, 37% of respondents said that cost of living was the most important issue facing the city; another 19% responded ‘housing affordability.’ What would you do as a councillor to make the city of Ottawa more affordable?
Affordability touches every part of city life, from housing and property taxes to the cost of everyday transit and municipal services. To make Ottawa more affordable, we need to focus on disciplined fiscal management at City Hall so we aren’t unnecessarily driving up property taxes. On housing, we must encourage thoughtful densification that aligns with existing infrastructure, reduce bureaucratic red tape for building homes, and partner closely with provincial and federal levels of government to secure investments in affordable and supportive housing.
4. Certain city services like OC Transpo and the OPS have run significant deficits in recent years. Is there anything that you would do as a councillor to try to balance the city’s budget?
Balancing the city’s budget requires a combination of rigorous financial oversight and a willingness to evaluate how and where public money is spent. With my background in business and accounting, I believe in transparent decision-making, aggressive pursuit of senior-government funding (especially for major capital projects like Lansdowne so taxpayers don’t shoulder the burden alone), and prioritizing core municipal services. Fiscal responsibility isn’t about saying yes or no to everything; it’s about making smart, evidence-based choices that deliver real results while respecting taxpayers.
5. Why are you running for Council? What do you think is the biggest issue facing your ward today?
I am running because Somerset Ward deserves a strong, accessible, and responsive voice at City Hall. Too often, residents feel disconnected from municipal decisions. The biggest challenge in our ward is balancing rapid growth and densification with the necessary infrastructure, affordable housing, accessibility standards, and safety supports. Whether it’s ensuring our sidewalks and public spaces are fully accessible, tackling homelessness with compassion and practicality, or supporting our small local businesses, I am committed to making sure your voice is heard.
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